As a job seeker, you understand the importance of having a list of solid references — those folks who can’t say enough great things about you.

But today’s job candidate needs to go beyond simply compiling a list of folks who will say positive things about him when a potential employer calls.

Today’s A-list candidate seeks out references who are rainmakers, mentors and salespeople. People who can and will actively promote and guide him.

Rainmaker references serve as powerful links in your network. They can connect you to influential decision-makers, but to do so they must have a solid understanding of your brand and areas of expertise.

Meet with each reference individually, ask for feedback on your résumé and get advice and guidance about where you should be focusing your attention.

Ask your references to introduce you to key decision-makers with a short telephone call or via email. Give your rainmaker references several copies of your résumé so she has it available to pass on.

Mentor references can help to guide you through the rough patches of the job search. They may be people who have been through a similar challenge and know what it takes to make a successful transition.

Ask them to be members of your Executive Job Search Advisory Board. Arrange to meet periodically to keep them up-to-date on your progress. Mentor references should also have a copy or two of your résumé.

Finally, consider adding at least one reference that is a salesperson.

Regardless of whether they are officially “salespeople,” these individuals are great at selling — ideas, products and people.

These are the folks who never know a stranger; every day they come in contact with people who may be a match for your skills. They know everyone who is anyone and can warm up an otherwise cold connection.

Whatever role your references fill, help them support you and build your brand recognition.

They can and do shape a potential employer’s perception of you and can either confirm the impression you created or inadvertently damage it.

In the future, instead of simply listing the essentials like a soldier in the military giving name, rank and serial number, ask each reference for a brief quote expressing what they most value about working with and knowing you.

Offer to draft a short two- or three-sentence quote that you can include on your reference list below the individual’s name, title and contact information.

This kind of endorsement is priceless and pre-sells you to an employer who may otherwise harbor some doubt.

Here is what the short quote might look like, “Joanne always goes the extra mile. One of her most extraordinary achievements was rescuing our Vice President of Sales by locating specialized equipment for his presentation in Geneva, Switzerland. Thanks to Joanne’s extraordinary efforts we cemented a new business partnership.”

Helping your references represent you effectively reinforces the underlying message that you are a quality candidate worth courting.